DB LabsQuick Recommendation
For iPhone photographers: iCloud 2 TB ($9.99/month) for seamless iOS integration and ProRAW support. For budget photographers: Amazon Photos (included with Prime) for unlimited full-resolution storage including RAW. For AI-powered search and editing: Google Photos with Google One 2 TB ($9.99/month). For cross-platform workflows: Dropbox Plus 2 TB ($11.99/month).
Cloud Storage Comparison for Photographers
| Service | Price (2 TB) | RAW Support | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| iCloud+ | $9.99/mo | ProRAW, DNG | iPhone/Mac photographers |
| Google Photos | $9.99/mo | RAW (full res with paid plan) | AI search, cross-platform |
| Amazon Photos | Unlimited (with Prime) | All RAW formats | Budget photographers |
| Dropbox Plus | $11.99/mo | All file types | Cross-platform, client workflows |
| Adobe Creative Cloud | From $9.99/mo (1 TB) | All RAW formats | Lightroom users |
| Backblaze B2 | ~$5/mo per TB | All file types | Archive/backup |
1. iCloud+ — Best for iPhone Photographers
iCloud integrates directly into the iPhone Photos app. Photos sync automatically, Optimize iPhone Storage keeps local storage low, and everything works without installing additional apps. iCloud supports Apple ProRAW and standard DNG files at full resolution.
Pros: Seamless iOS integration, Optimize iPhone Storage feature, end-to-end encryption with Advanced Data Protection, Family Sharing support, iCloud Shared Photo Library.
Cons: Limited to Apple ecosystem for full functionality, no RAW editing tools built in, slower sync speeds compared to some competitors, limited sharing options for non-Apple users.
Pricing: 50 GB ($0.99/mo), 200 GB ($2.99/mo), 2 TB ($9.99/mo), 6 TB ($29.99/mo), 12 TB ($59.99/mo).
2. Google Photos — Best AI Features
Google Photos has the best AI-powered search (search by subject, location, or even objects in photos), Magic Eraser editing, and automatic organization. RAW files are stored at full resolution with a Google One plan.
Pros: Industry-leading AI search, Magic Eraser and photo editing, excellent web interface, cross-platform.
Cons: RAW editing limited, privacy concerns for some users, requires Google One for meaningful storage.
3. Amazon Photos — Best Value
Amazon Prime members get unlimited full-resolution photo storage including RAW files at no additional cost. This is the best deal for photographers who already pay for Prime. Video storage is limited to 5 GB unless you upgrade.
Pros: Unlimited photo storage with Prime, supports all RAW formats, Family Vault for sharing.
Cons: Basic editing tools, less polished app experience, video storage limited, no AI features comparable to Google.
4. Dropbox Plus — Best for Client Work
Dropbox is the gold standard for sharing large files with clients. Photographers who deliver high-resolution files to clients benefit from Dropbox's reliable sharing, version history, and cross-platform support.
Pros: Excellent file sharing, version history, cross-platform, reliable sync.
Cons: More expensive than competitors at $11.99/month for 2 TB, no photo-specific features, no AI organization.
Reducing Cloud Storage Needs
Regardless of which cloud service you use, reducing the number of unnecessary photos in your library saves money on storage. Professional photographers especially benefit from regular culling sessions where they review shoots and delete selects that did not make the cut.
Swype Photo Cleaner is useful for quickly reviewing iPhone camera roll photos — swipe through, delete what you do not need, and keep your library lean. This is especially valuable before uploading to cloud storage, since every unnecessary photo uploaded is storage you pay for month after month. For more backup strategies, see our guide on best photo backup solutions for iPhone.